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Depression
One in six New Zealanders are likely to experience an episode of depression sometime during their life.
Over recent years there has been a significant increase in awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with this condition. These campaigns, are helping people become more aware of the signs and symptoms of depression, how to manage your own depression, and how to support a friend or family member through depression.
It is important for Christians to create safe spaces in which people can talk honestly about their emotional wellbeing. A great start to becoming a church that supports people with depression is to create discussion opportunities about depression as a faith community, talking openly in such forums as home groups and in our church services.
Depression Talk Sheet
Helpful Resources
- www.depression.org.nz
- www.thelowdown.co.nz (aimed at young people)
- www.sparx.org.nz (an award-winning site that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed)
- www.mentalhealth.org.nz
- www.suicideprevention.salvos.org.au
- Read our International Positional Statement on preventing depression (www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ipssuicide)